FREE-WILL OFFERINGS by Mary A. Davis

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 13, 1876

FREE-WILL OFFERINGS.

By Mary A. Davis

When Moses was about to build the tabernacle, the Lord thus commanded him: “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering; of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.” “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” The material which was to be thus collected must have constituted a very considerable part of the wealth of that people; and to understand how close a test this invitation was, let us consider the circumstances under which it was given.

The children of Israel had been bondmen in Egypt, and the treasure they possessed, their only reward for long years of bitter toil, had been wrung from their oppressors by the judgments of God. Doubtless, they looked to these to purchase supplies from surrounding nations during their long journey, and to aid them in settling in their future home.

Again, the Hebrews had all the oriental love for display, made stronger by its repression during their life of slavery, and they must have looked with proud satisfaction upon their jewels, the trophies of their deliverance.

Now an invitation is extended to all, contrary to the dictates of worldly wisdom, the pleadings of vanity and pride, to bring these treasures, a free-will offering to the Lord.

There was a stir throughout the vast encampment. The gay young maiden unclasped her glittering ornaments, the careful matron gathered her store of precious things, strong men, the gray-haired, and the youth, helped swell the treasure, till they were restrained from giving; for they had brought much more than enough.

Then the skillful workmen labored, the wise-hearted women wove the coverings of brilliant hues, embroidering upon them shining cherubim. When all had been completed according to the divine command; when the tabernacle in its splendor had been prepared for a dwelling-place of the Most High; when the sanctuary, the vessels, and the priests, had been consecrated, and the appropriate offerings made, then fire came down from Heaven and consumed the sacrifices, and the glory of God filled the tabernacle.

These things were written for our instruction. Not only are we to be warned by the sad history of their unbelief, their murmuring, their rebellion; but we should emulate their example of liberality and devotion.

There is a call extended now for offerings for the work of God,—whatever we have to bring—gifts of means, of time, the labor of the hands, of intellect, or heart. Only our best gifts will he accept. Not the feeble remnant, after the world and our own pleasure and ambition have been served; but our deepest affections, our freshest hours, the morning of life, our best thoughts, should we render. It must be freely offered. Only the willing-hearted will be permitted to have a part in the work. Only these gifts will find a place in the records above. None are so poor that they have not something to bring; for it is not the amount one doeth, but the love with which he worketh, that will make it acceptable to God.

The sacrifice which we often find the most difficult is that of giving ourselves to God, to be used in his service as shall best please him. We shrink from discharging duty, from bearing responsibility, fearing that we shall fail, and thus bring discredit upon ourselves. Let us come nearer to our Master; let us remember that he gave himself for us, and count not our lives, our reputation, ourselves dear, if we may but

show our gratitude for his matchless love to us.

“Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house, . . . and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” If his people do thus unitedly bring in their free-will offerings, consecrating themselves entirely to his service, will not that promise be fulfilled? the windows of heaven be opened? and the glory of God be manifested in the midst of his people? Will not the great ingathering of souls begin? the refreshing be poured out, and the coming of the Deliverer be hastened? Shall we not, each in his own sphere, help on this glorious work, and bring the glad day nearer? MARY A. DAVIS.